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We have just brought a brand new Elddis Avante 556 which has a Winterhoff stabilizer. As well as a wheel clamp I have invested in a hitch lock as well for added piece of mind.

My question is can the hitch lock only be fitted when the outfit is stationary for example when taking a break at a service station or can it be fitted while the caravan is being towed?

To be honest it takes seconds to fit but I was curious as to whether it can be left on all the time.

Regards

Richard

I have a Winterhoff coupling.  The hitchlock which came with mine is a U-shaped steel pressing which is passed up around the coupling.  Another plate goes on top of the coupling, then a lockable rod goes through the U member to secure everything.

If your hitchlock is this type, you can use it on the hitched van when stationary.      You cannot use it when travelling.

Winterhoff produce a Robostop which can be fitted when travelling, but it isn't cheap.

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 18/7/2007

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I acknowledge that the emergency services may not be able to remove the hitchlock quickly, but why would they have to? The only reason I can imagine is in case of a fire, and even then, the emergency services are not going to approach a burning car, no matter how quickly they are going to get away from it. The fire service will be more interested in putting it out and not want to risk going to the back of the car where the fuel tank is usually located to stop the caravan catching fire. They would just hose it down.

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Hitchhiker's comments make sense. There isn't really any need for a hitchlock whilst actually towing.  Self discipline in fitting it if the outfit is to be left unattended, and removal before continuing your journey satisfies all opinions.

Bertie.

It really is horses for courses on this matter. If you read the instructions that come with the Robstop, it specifically tells you that it is fine to have on when driving and can actually act as another safety device to prevent the hitch from coming off the ball (unlikely I would hope).

Mike

Quote: Originally posted by Mike Collier on 25/7/2007

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It really is horses for courses on this matter. If you read the instructions that come with the Robstop, it specifically tells you that it is fine to have on when driving and can actually act as another safety device to prevent the hitch from coming off the ball (unlikely I would hope).

Mike

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I do not use a Robstop with my Winterhoff coupling.  And it will not release itself and come off the ball.

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by davegray on 26/7/2007

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we`ve used ours whilst travelling, simply so that i don`t forget to pick it up again!!! no problems ever encountered with using it

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